The Wilmington Blue Rocks (High A; Carolina League) have announced the installation of LED field lights at Frawley Stadium for the 2018 season. The new system, built by Iowa’s Musco Lighting, will provide unprecedented illumination to Judy Johnson Field, its concourse and seating areas, and drastically reduce the team’s energy output. The lights are mounted high above the Blue Rocks’ home. The new lights will be a longstanding feature at Frawley, as they come with a 25-year warranty.
Musco is using its Total Light Control—TLC for LED technology which pairs its expertise in light control with the advancing output of LED to conserve massive amounts of energy. This new system leads to a brighter field with less glare and less light pollution. That makes it better for players, the night sky and, most important, the environment.
“This is a win-win-win for everyone. The Blue Rocks’ players will play under the most optimal playing conditions possible. The team reduces energy consumption, conserves electricity and helps the environment, and our wonderful fans and drivers along I-95 are less burdened by excess glare and unnecessary light pollution,” said Blue Rocks managing partner Dave Heller. “It’s good for the players, good for the community and our fans, good for the team and good for the environment. Plus, with a 25-year warranty, we won’t need even to think about lights again until at least 2043.”
“This innovative lighting system will be a terrific addition for both the Blue Rocks and the community,” said Wilmington general manager Andrew Layman. “The new technology will make everything crystal clear for both the players and our fans. It will also be a huge energy-saver, cutting as much as 50 percent off our energy output each season. This is great for the Royals, the Blue Rocks, the Delaware Stadium Corporation, and all Blue Rocks’ fans across our region.”
The transition to the new LED lighting system is just one of many new upgrades to Frawley Stadium over the last three-plus years. Main Street Baseball and the Blue Rocks continue to work with the Delaware Stadium Corporation (DSC) to enhance Frawley Stadium in order to maintain its status as one of the premier ballparks in Minor League Baseball.
Prior to last season, the Blue Rocks and the DSC worked with Delmarva Power to complete an LED conversion of the parking lot lights at Frawley Stadium. In 2016, M.J. Bradley Flooring and the architectural firm Ewing Cole collaborated to install new flooring on the concourse and restrooms, which provided better and safer footing. In 2015, the Delaware Stadium Corporation installed all new seats, replacing aluminum bleachers with new individual seats with armrests and cupholders.